May 26, 2008

79th Annual Memorial Day Service

The tradition of today's services at the cemetery began when the original "Doughboy" statue was placed on the grounds in 1929. "The American GI" statue that now stands next the the doughboy was elevated on the granite colonnade in 1980. Notice the inscriptions of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard on the granite base.

Both statues represent a wide span of American History and stand side by side to honor veterans serving in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War in the Middle East. These monuments, these special services and your presence here today are tributes to those who fought - and today still closely guard - our nation's ideals of liberty and freedom.

For 79 years, local citizens and guests have gathered at Mount Olivet Cemetery to remember the many patriots that have died in the service and defense of our nation and its people. Today, we pause to remember these valiant men and women.

Our theme again this year is, "Lest We Forget." It was selected to be a reminder that today and every day, we must not - we will not forget the sacrifices of those that have given so much to provide and protect the precious gift of freedom.

So with a proud spirit and strong emotion, we dedicate these Memorial Day Services to all U. S. Veterans that have given their lives on the battlefield at home and abroad. On this Memorial Day, we honor their lives and dedicate these 79th Annual Mount Olivet Memorial Day Services to their memories.

United Daughters of

the Confederacy ®

Keynote Address: Captain Tracy D. Smyers, Commanding Officer, NAS JRB, Fort Worth, TX a proud native of nearby Boyd, TX. His command became effective April 11, 2008. He received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1984, earned the Alden C. Markey Memorial Trophy as the outstanding graduate from advanced navigator training and was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in September 1985. Most recently before his assumption of duties here in Fort Worth, he reported to the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he served as Legislative Liaison and Section Head for Collaborative Warfare and common Systems in the Air Warfare Directorate.

Bagpipes played to honor our veterans.

Display of wreaths laid in honor of our deceased veterans.

Paralized Veterans.

Janie Pace and Betsy Acker placed the Julia Jackson Chapter Wreath.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy Julia Jackson Chapter was listed on the program among Patriotic Groups in Tarrant County